Most renovation plans start with a single question: what is a bathroom renovation actually going to cost? Search around and the numbers swing wildly. This guide breaks down realistic 2026 pricing, the hidden costs, and what a Vaughan homeowner should expect before signing anything.
Price tiers (2026)
Bathroom renovations in Ontario typically run $10,000 to $60,000 or more in 2026. Most full upgrades land between $15,000 and $30,000. The final price depends heavily on whether you keep the existing footprint or move plumbing around. Here is the realistic breakdown by tier.
| Tier | Price range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic refresh | $10,000-$15,000 | Paint, new vanity, new toilet, replacement tile, fixtures stay in place |
| Mid-range full renovation | $15,000-$30,000 | New walk-in shower or tub-shower, new vanity, new tile, new fixtures |
| High-end full renovation | $30,000-$60,000 | Layout change, plumbing relocation, premium tile, heated floors, custom vanity, high-end fixtures |
| Premium / luxury | $60,000-$100,000+ | Marble or stone slab, integrated lighting, steam shower, custom millwork, structural changes |
GTA suppliers such as Ciot and Saltillo Tile have raised base material prices recently, which pushes the mid-range and premium tiers up. Most full bathroom projects in Vaughan land in the $18,000 to $32,000 band, which buys solid mid-range work with quality finishes like Riobel faucets and a Schluter waterproofing system.
Cost drivers
Several decisions dictate your final number. The single biggest factor is whether you alter the existing plumbing layout.
- Layout change. Keeping fixtures in place is the biggest cost saver. Moving the toilet, sink, or shower adds $3,000 to $8,000 in plumbing labour, permit work, and behind-wall reconstruction.
- Tile selection. Standard 12x24 porcelain runs about $8 to $12 per square foot installed. Hand-glazed tile, natural stone, or large-format porcelain runs $25 to $60 per square foot installed. On 40 square feet of tile, that is a $700 to $2,000 swing.
- Shower configuration. A replacement tub-shower is cheapest. A walk-in shower with custom tile, niches, and frameless glass adds $2,000 to $5,000. A curbless walk-in with a linear drain adds another $1,000 to $2,000.
- Vanity and counter. Stock vanities run $400 to $1,500. Semi-custom options average $1,500 to $4,000. A fully custom-built vanity costs $3,000 to $8,000 or more. Quartz counters add $300 to $1,500.
- Heated floors. An electric heated floor system runs $1,500 to $3,000 installed for a typical small bathroom. NuHeat mats are a common choice. Larger or hydronic systems cost more.
- Premium fixtures. Standard chrome fixtures run $400 to $800 for the toilet, faucet, and shower trim. Brushed brass or matte black premium fixtures push that to $1,200 to $3,000. A wall-hung toilet system adds $500 to $1,000.
Scope breakdown for a $22,000 mid-range Vaughan bathroom
Knowing where the money goes helps you prioritise finishes versus function. Tile labour and material together typically represent 20 to 35 percent of total cost, the single biggest line in most bathroom renovations.
- Vanity, counter, sink, faucet: $2,500 to $4,000 (10-18%)
- Toilet: $400 to $1,000 (2-5%)
- Shower fixtures and glass: $1,500 to $3,500 (7-15%)
- Tile material: $1,500 to $3,500 (7-15%)
- Tile installation labour: $3,000 to $5,000 (14-22%)
- Plumbing labour: $1,500 to $2,500 (7-11%)
- Electrical labour: $800 to $1,500 (4-7%)
- Demolition and disposal: $800 to $1,500 (4-7%)
- Waterproofing: $800 to $1,500 (4-7%)
- Drywall, paint, finishing: $1,000 to $2,000 (5-9%)
- Permits, inspection, contingency: $300 to $1,000 (1-5%)
Keep a 10 percent contingency untouched for hidden issues. Older homes across Vaughan, especially the original 1990s builds, frequently hide water damage behind dated drywall that only shows up once demolition starts.
Plumbing relocation premium
Moving major fixtures always triggers a premium. The hidden work below the joists and behind the walls is substantial. Moving a toilet adds $3,000 to $8,000. Sometimes that is justified for a fundamentally better layout, and sometimes it is not worth it for a marginal gain.
- City of Vaughan permit is required for plumbing relocation. Expect $200 to $500 in fees plus a review period at the Building Standards Department.
- Vent stack reconfiguration is needed when the new toilet location does not align with the existing vent. This pipe routing costs $1,500 to $3,000.
- Subfloor work is required if the floor is opened to relocate drains, adding $500 to $2,000.
- Inspections happen at rough-in and completion, which adds schedule overhead.
- Risk rises in older homes. Pre-2000 builds can hide undersized supply lines or unexpected venting routes.
Ontario HST
Every legitimate contractor charges the standard 13 percent Ontario HST on labour and materials. A $25,000 pre-tax renovation becomes $28,250 after tax. We show HST as a separate line item on every quote. Be suspicious of any contractor offering a cash deal to skip the tax, because paying cash forfeits your paper trail, warranty, and WSIB protection.
What’s actually in our bathroom renovation quotes
A proper quote should leave zero room for interpretation. Every Kitchen Renovations Vaughan bathroom contract includes a detailed, itemized list.
- All demolition and disposal of old materials.
- Plumbing rough-in and finish per the agreed scope.
- Electrical rough-in and finish per the agreed scope.
- Waterproofing using the Schluter Kerdi system.
- All tile material, installation, and grouting.
- Vanity, counter, sink, toilet, and faucet per the agreed scope.
- Shower fixtures and custom glass per the agreed scope.
- Drywall, painting, trim, and final finishing.
- Permit filing and associated city fees if required.
- A two-year installation warranty.
Some elements fall outside a standard quote unless requested: high-end fixture upgrades beyond the specified model, out-of-scope discoveries like mould or knob-and-tube wiring, decorative accessories, and structural work outside the bathroom footprint.
Small vs. large bathroom
Small bathrooms almost always cost more per square foot than larger primary suites. Setup costs like permits, demolition, and waterproofing are nearly fixed regardless of room size, so spreading them over fewer square feet pushes the per-square-foot number up.
- Small bathroom (under 40 sqft): $400 to $800 per square foot.
- Medium bathroom (40-80 sqft): $300 to $600 per square foot.
- Large bathroom or primary suite (80+ sqft): $250 to $500 per square foot.
Condo owners in the VMC towers face extra costs: a service-elevator booking often carries a $200 to $500 non-refundable fee, and restricted working hours extend the timeline.
Why the cheapest bathroom quote is usually a red flag
A $7,000 quote for a full bathroom renovation is suspiciously cheap and practically impossible in 2026. Honest quotes for the same scope typically vary 10 to 15 percent across three contractors. Common shortcuts behind artificially low pricing include:
- Skipped or inadequate waterproofing, which surfaces as ceiling leaks at the 5 to 7 year mark.
- Cheap stock cabinets and bottom-tier plastic fixtures that break quickly.
- Subcontracting tile work to untrained labour with no quality control.
- Refusing to file permits on a scope that legally triggers an inspection.
- Vague allowances that turn into surprise bills mid-project.
Always verify WSIB coverage before signing. Hiring an uninsured worker leaves you personally liable if they are injured in your home.
Get a real number for your bathroom
Ready to stop guessing? Book a free in-home consultation and we will measure, walk through your priorities, and return with a fixed-price quote within one week. You can also browse our bathroom renovation service, review a typical bathroom renovation timeline, or look for small bathroom design ideas.
Three-tier bathroom renovation comparison: budget, mid-range, high-end
